Taking Control

An simple step to help maintain good control of your blood sugar is often overlooked. But, it should be easy to remember because it even has the name "control" in it! Control solution! If you don't have some for your glucometer, go get some!

Control solution is how you are able to test your glucometer strips and/or your glucometer for accuracy. Yes, testing your sugar is important, but the results are only useful if they are accurate! The manufacturers of glucometers work very hard to ensure their meters and strips are reliable, however trust me problems can arise! My son has only been diagnosed for six months, and we have already had two vials of test strips that have needed to be replaced.

The control solution test is very easy to perform, and it is best to complete a control test when:

1. You open a new box of test strips and/or
2. You feel there might be a problem with your machine's readings

First, ask your Moye's pharmacist which control solution you need for your meter. (Each manufacturer makes its own.) Second, if you have prescription insurance, have your Moye's pharmacist call your child's diabetes doctor to get a prescription for the control solution just in case it might happen to be covered on your plan. (Contact your insurance plan directly if you are unsure.)

Once you have your control solution in hand you are ready. Treat the control solution just as you would blood from your child's finger. You will place it on the strip according to your meter's instruction booklet. (Read the booklet that came with your meter first as some meters have ways to tell the machine you are doing a control test so the result will not be included in your child's saved data.) Next, the result on the glucometer screen will be compared to the range printed on the test strip vial. (Note: some manufacturers have level 1 and level 2 solutions so two ranges might appear on the vial. Be sure to match the range up to which control solution you are using.)

If the result on the screen falls in range, you are good! If not, then you simply call the phone number for the manufacturer of your glucometer usually printed on the back of your glucometer or if not in your instruction booklet. They are super helpful and will help you figure out how to troubleshoot what is going on with your strips and meter. In our case, the manufacturer realized it was due to faulty strips and shipped us out replacements. Simple as that.

Pay close attention to instructions and additional information printed on your control solution's vial as well. Some have to be shaken well before use. And, others expire 3 months after opening for first use, etc.

I realize there is so much to remember when dealing with this disease! To me that is probably the hardest part. Playing mommy and nurse can be such a balancing act! The easiest way to remember this important step is to only open up a box of strips as you are about to use them. And think to yourself: "New box=control solution test." I also keep my control solution sitting out on the counter with our other supplies so I see it often which serves as a reminder.

Having said all of that, we can end with a very positive note! Imagine having a diabetic child BEFORE the technology of glucometers?! Now, THAT would be tough. I know moms who went through that. So, I guess even though there is quite alot to remember, we can still be very thankful!